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The Bachelor of Arts – Production track is designed to produce artists and leaders who will shape the media landscape of tomorrow. Students can explore a particular field of study in depth while simultaneously branching out and discovering many different aspects of production. The open curriculum ensures that students will acquire specific skill sets as well as the flexibility to adapt to a constantly evolving media environment.

In the first year, students take foundational courses in the history of media arts and production, with an emphasis on stimulating their innate creativity. In year two, students take introductory classes in different modes of production, in criticism and theory, and in writing for media. Year three consists of intermediate courses that allow students to deepen the knowledge of their areas of interest. In the last year, students take production courses that significantly expand their skill sets or serve as a capstone experience (or both). As they refine their production skills, our students continue to develop their grasp of theory and expression (through advanced studies courses) and to expand their knowledge of the world (through advanced level Liberal Arts courses).

Our alumni are both creative thinkers and thinking creators. Our graduates demonstrate exceptional production and technical skills grounded in the theoretical and cultural environments in which they work. As graduates, they will influence those environments through effective, ethical communication.

Degree Requirements

Forty-four credits in Visual and Media Arts plus 8 credits in upper-level Liberal Arts are required for the Bachelor of Arts - Production Track. Students are encouraged to combine elements of study from diverse areas in the department, constructing a program that serves artistic and intellectual interests as well as career goals. Students should remain in contact with the department and their academic advisor for information pertaining to requirements and course offerings.

I. Visual and Media Arts Foundations (12 Credits)

The Visual and Media Arts Foundations offer students a broad theoretical, historical, and practical introduction to the visual and media arts. Students are required to attend a workshop on production safety while enrolled in VM 102 or VM 120.

Required Courses

Number

Course

VM 100

History of Media Arts I

VM 101

History of Media Arts II

One of the following courses in production foundations (4 credits):

Number

Course

VM 102

Dimensions of Creativity

VM 120

Foundations in Visual and Media Arts Production

II. Introduction to Critical Studies and Theory (4 Credits)

Required Course

Number

Course

VM 200

Media Criticism and Theory

III. Introduction to Production (12 Credits Minimum)

Students are required to take three Introduction to Production courses (12 credits), at least one of which must be in Writing and Concept Development.

Introduction to Writing and Concept Development Courses

Number

Course

VM 202

Critical Listening

VM 220

Writing the Short Subject

VM 222

Writing for Television

Introduction to Production Courses

Number

Course

VM 230

Introduction to Film Production

VM 231

Intermediate Film Production

VM 240

Introduction to Video Field Production

VM 241

Introduction to Studio Television Production

VM 250

Introduction to Sound Principles and Audio Production

VM 251

Location Sound Recording

VM 260

Introduction to Interactive Media

VM 261

Computer Animation

VM 262

Drawing

VM 263

Drawing for Time-Based Media

VM 265

Introduction to Photography

IV. Intermediate and Advanced Production (8 Credits Minimum)

Following the development of basic production skills in Level 2, students explore their production interests. The VMA Faculty has developed Possible Plans of Study to help students navigate the wide range of course options. The Possible Plans of Study are optional and are meant only to serve as guides for students.

Students must take at least two intermediate and advanced courses at the 300 or 400 level. Students must complete 200-level writing and production requirements and have junior standing to take 300-level production courses.

V. Advanced Critical Studies and Theory (8 Credits)

Students must also complete at least two visual and media arts studies courses.

VI. Upper-level Liberal Arts (8 Credits)

In addition to the General Education and major requirements, all students are required to complete at least two courses at the 300 or 400 level from the following Liberal Arts areas:

History

Interdisciplinary Studies

Literature

Ethics, Philosophy, or Religion

Political Science

Psychology

Science

Sociology

TH 304, 313, 315

VM 315, 409, 410

BA Production Capstone Project

During a student’s final semesters, the option of working on advanced production projects is available. Students can apply to register for VM 491 BA Capstone Project, which provides the opportunity for students to realize a one-semester production project, reel, or portfolio in their senior year. The Capstone Project is optional for the BA degree and registration for VM 491 requires faculty committee approval. Students seeking to pursue a year-long course of work on a thesis-level project and a more rigorous course of study may apply to the bet on share pricesBachelor of Fine Arts Program.